Alex Preston is one of 12 remaining singers on this 13th season of ‘American Idol.’ He hasn’t shown country aspirations, but he’s connected to Nashville. Preston is Jo Dee Messina‘s cousin — and she is a superfan through and through.

The 20-year-old ‘Idol’ hopeful, who actually lived with his cousin for a bit, definitely has a supporter in Messina, and she’s been proudly voicing her opinion since Preston went after the elusive golden ticket to Hollywood back in January.

When that happened, the country star went to Twitter with this excited message:

While she cheers him on in the reality singing competition, Preston also cheers on the country singer. In an exclusive interview, Messina revealed to Taste of Country that her younger cousin was the one who recommended she use Kickstarter for her new album.

The campaign paid off, literally, exceeding its $100,000 goal. The anticipated album, ‘Me,’ streets March 18, with new single ‘A Woman’s Rant’ debuting on radio this week (Feb. 26).

After a rousing, soulful, and extremely impressive rendition of Jason Mraz’s ‘A Beautiful Mess’ on Wednesday night, he slid easily into the Top 12. Kristen O’ Connor was sent home on Thursday.

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